Barbie Doll's Impact On Body Image

There is a proverb that states that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. This means that there cannot be a universal definition of beauty. What is perceived by one individual as beautiful may be considered visually unpleasant by a different individual. Though such different opinions exist about the definition of beauty, most people share a definite opinion on whether something is beautiful or not. When a typical woman thinks back on her childhood, three things quickly come to mind: SpagettiO’s, crayons, and a Barbie Doll. The Barbie is more than just a doll, to an innocent child; it often becomes part of a girl’s life. Barbie is a friend, a stylist, a mentor, and even a role model for young children. Many Americans can easily reminisce

The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness reports about 90 percent of those with eating disorders are young women between the ages of 12 and 25. Remember, these young women likely played with Barbie dolls, multiple Barbie dolls, shortly before developing their disorders. Research reveals that girls as young as five become concerned about their weight after viewing images of figures with unrealistic, thin bodies. The first study of its kind had children look at Barbie dolls to discover the impact of cultural ideals relating to weight on the very young. More than 100 girls aged between 5 and 7 looked at books while being read a story about shopping and dressing for a birthday party. Some of the books showed images of Barbie dolls, while others showed pictures lacking depictions of people. It was found that girls who were exposed to the Barbie pictures reported less body esteem and a greater desire to be thin. Researchers concluded that early exposure to unrealistic pictures of too thin body shapes may damage a girl's body image. This leading to the increased risk of eating disorders with cycles of weight gain and loss. The study was headed up by Dr Emma Halliwell of the University of the West of England, along with Dr Helga

The company explained that the new dolls will be a better reflection of what girls see in the world around them. Not only will they better represent the diversity seen in real women, they may also help girls develop a more realistic body image. Mattel believes they have a responsibility to girls and parents to reflect a broader view of beauty. Parents should make informed decisions about which toys they give to their children and consider carefully how those toys might affect them. The new Barbie dolls offer increased options for parents. Parents can introduce their children to a range of body shapes, sizes, and colors through these new dolls. Parents can choose to give their children dolls that do not promote an unrealistic or even unhealthy body image, such as the new Barbie’s offered by Mattel. Parents can give their children toys other than dolls. Parents can also discuss the messages toys convey with their children. Even young children can begin to develop a critical eye towards these things if provided with some guidance in that